Text Back (Katsuki Bakugou x Reader)

Cavalry

"Midoriya Izuku, who placed first in the qualifier, is worth ten million points!" Midnight reiterated though no one had missed a beat the first time around. The body of students stared daggers at the young man; and while you were also anticipating snatching that win for yourself, your sympathy resonated for him.

"Now then onto the rules! The match will last 15 minutes. Each team's points are determined by its members and the rider will wear a headband displaying their total. During the allotted time, your respective teams will be competing to take each other's headbands and maintain the ones you have. Stolen headbands must be worn from the neck up, but be careful as the more you steal the harder it'll be to manage them!"

"Most importantly," Midnight wrapped up, "even if your headband is taken or your horse formation is broken, it's not over 'til it's over! Quirks are allowed so this battle will be brutal! However, it is a cavalry event. Malicious attacks on another team with the intent to make them fall will earn you a red card and you will be eliminated!"

Midnight flashed her whip out to the crowd with a clean snap. "So! You have 15 minutes to form your teams! Start!!"

As soon as the timer rang, you were bombarded by a herd of students. Shouts and exclamations from various faces circled you, pulling you away from Katsuki who was suffering the same fate.

"Excuse me!" You yelled over the voices that were now becoming a garble of words. You couldn't think straight. You weren't even sure if you wanted to be the rider or part of the horse, much less who you wanted on your team.

You squeezed through the throng of people, but more seemed to be piling up. Eventually, you popped out of the sea and were able to get a better look at the competition as well as possible teammates.

The crowd that had cornered you was now being more respectful to not surround you, but they still continued to shout over one another. Your eyes shifted to each one in thought. Some you recognized and others you didn't. But who would be the perfect candidates...

You were mulling over their abilities when you felt something bump into your back. You turned around and came face to face with pair of cloudy grey eyes.

"Monoma," You addressed with slight surprise. You weren't sure how to talk to him anymore. You two hadn't run into each other since the last detention session where he had apologized to you. The teachers had let you both off the hook that week in order to prepare for the festival.

"(l/n)," He smiled coolly. His expression was suave, but there was something sad behind his eyes that you weren't sure if you were imagining or not. "It's been a while."

"Yeah...you made it to the top 42, that's pretty good ," You said, scratching your neck. The air was awkward between you two for a couple moments before Monoma spoke again.

"I hadn't realized how talented you were with your quirk. I only ever saw you in the library."

Your mind went back to the last time you were together. His earnest words sounded in your brain as you recalled his speech. The remembrance of that memory must have been written on your face because Monoma reacted swiftly to it.

"Hey, you don't have to worry about what I said. I just wanted to apologize for what I did. I don't expect you to do anything about it," He reassured though the confliction in your gaze was unwavering.

You didn't know what to make of him. Did you hate him still? And if not, then what was that feeling that tugged at your emotions?

His confident brow faltered a bit as he glanced away. "Uh, (l/n), listen, I..."

"Yeah?"

"I..." His pupils met yours but then flickered over to the crowd awaiting your response. His lips tightened in a thin line when he looked back at you. "I wanted to..."